On March 28 at 12:50 PM, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck approximately 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing city, followed by another earthquake measuring 6.4 in magnitude about 12 minutes later, centered 18 kilometers south of Sagaing, according to an announcement from the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. The earthquakes resulted in casualties and extensive damage to buildings in major cities including Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Taunggyi, and Bago.
Due to the possibility of aftershocks following the major earthquake, people have been advised to evacuate from damaged buildings and high-rise structures. The NUG has also issued warnings to check dams and reservoirs for potential cracks and to prepare for evacuation if necessary. Additionally, some areas are at risk of soil liquefaction, requiring residents to remain vigilant. Mandalay and Sagaing regions have been the most severely affected, with people still trapped in collapsed buildings amid the destruction.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across nearly all of Myanmar, including cities such as Mandalay, May City, Taunggyi, Sagaing, Monywa, Shwebo, Mogok, Hsipaw, Lashio, Kyaukme, Naypyidaw, Pinlaung, Ywa Ngan, Bagan, Nyaung-U, Pakokku, Magway, Mindon, Pyay, Paungde, Danubyu, Dedaye, Myaungmya, Myanaung, Hinthada, Pathein, Phyarpon, Labutta, Nyaungdon, Hinthada, Bago, Taikkyi, Yangon, Mawlamyine, Hpa-an, Myawaddy, Karenni, Ye, Dawei, Myeik, and Mobye. The tremors were also felt in neighboring Thailand’s cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Mae Sot.
